2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. Blog: Posts Tagged ‘chimney’

Minneapolis Chimney Tip: How to Maintain Proper Airflow in Your Chimney

Monday, October 15th, 2012

Whether you heat with gas, wood, or pellets, proper airflow in your chimney is important for several reasons. Not only does it help with efficiency, but it can also prevent backdraft and fire hazards. Here are some ways you can ensure that you are getting proper airflow in your chimney.

At 2nd Generation Chimneys, our Minneapolis chimney specialists are here to answer any further questions you might have. Our technicians are trained and certified to inspect chimneys for any type of heating system that requires ventilation through a chimney, so feel free to contact us any time.

Make Sure the Damper is Fully Open

Before you turn on your heat or build the first fire in the fall, always make sure that the damper is fully open. After you open it, check to make sure it’s fully open. Often a damper won’t open all the way because of excess creosote or soot buildup on the smoke shelf, or the damper could be damaged.

Schedule Your Annual Chimney Cleaning Before the Heating Season

In addition to checking for damage to the damper or other components, hiring a professional for a thorough chimney cleaning and inspection before the weather gets cold is important for many reasons. This gives the technician a chance to clean out dangerous levels of creosote build-up, and check for other issues with airflow. Poor chimney design is another issue that can be remedied in several ways. A damaged chimney cap or animals living inside the chimney are other potential airflow blocks.

Have Your Chimney Repaired as Needed

Should you need a chimney repair, it is important to have the repairs done before you use your heating system for the first time in the fall. This ensures proper airflow and safe operation. If there are cracks in the lining or your chimney needs masonry repairs, it’s also important to have this done since moisture can damage the inside of the flue or fireplace.

Increase Airflow by Making a Hotter Fire

The draft in your chimney works by pulling the air up through the chimney, so an easy way to increase the airflow is to burn hotter fires. Because hotter air is lighter, it creates more pull. If your chimney is too short or narrow for the heating unit, it can also affect the airflow and draft.

Make Sure Your Home is Properly Sealed and Insulated

Having a home that is sealed too tightly or one that has too many cracks and air leaks can disrupt the pressure inside the home, which also affects the draft.

Call the Minneapolis heating experts at 2nd Generation for any further questions you might have.

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Minneapolis Chimney Sweeping Question: Why Does My Chimney Need to Be Inspected if I Have a Gas Fireplace?

Monday, October 1st, 2012

When you use a traditional fireplace in Minneapolis, it’s easy to see why you need to have your chimney inspected and cleaned on a regular basis. The smoke going up the chimney leaves residue behind that can eventually become a hazard if not removed. But there are other reasons that it’s important to have your chimney inspected regardless of the type of fireplace you have, which is why it’s still important to get regular inspections even if you have a gas fireplace.

Outside Debris

One of the main reasons to have your chimney inspected is that things can fall into it from outside. Any type of debris has the potential to become a clog in your chimney, which in turn can cause serious ventilation issues in your home. During a regular inspection, a certified Minneapolis chimney inspection professional can easily find and remove anything that may be interfering with the proper movement of exhaust through your chimney.

Structural Issues

Over time, your chimney will invariably develop cracks and other structural issues that need to be addressed to keep it in good shape. Many of these structural issues, if caught early, are very easy to repair. But if they’re not attended to promptly, small cracks and chips can easily get larger, eventually compromising the integrity of the entire structure. Cracks that let in air from outside also change the way air moves through your chimney, making it a less effective ventilation system for your home.

So while a gas fireplace does burn clean, creating no soot or other residue that can be deposited inside your chimney, there are many other reasons it’s important to have your chimney inspected. This usually only needs to be done once a year to ensure that you have a safe and properly functioning chimney to keep fumes away from the living spaces of your home.

For more information about chimney sweeping or inspection in Minneapolis, give 2nd Generation Chimneys a call!

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Minneapolis Chimney Sweep Guide: How To Avoid Chimney Fires

Monday, September 10th, 2012

Chimney fires are scary things to think about, but by taking a few precautions, you can help prevent this problem from happening in your Minneapolis home.

First, here is a little on what causes chimney fires. The wood that you burn in your fireplace or wood stove contains material than can condense on the inside of your chimney. This forms a tar-like substance called creosote, which is very flammable. If enough creosote builds up in your chimney, it can form a serious fire hazard.

While any wood can create creosote, there are some factors that make creosote buildup more likely. Burning green wood, extremely cold temperatures, and poor air supply can lead to more creosote condensing on the chimney. To reduce buildup, it’s best to have small, hot fires with seasoned firewood.

However, since burning any wood will lead to creosote in your chimney, the best way to prevent chimney fires is to have your chimney cleaned and inspected every year.  A chimney sweep will remove any creosote buildup and check over your chimney for other problems.

To prepare for your chimney sweep’s visit, there are a few things that you can do:

  • Don’t use the fireplace or wood stove for 24 hours before the appointment
  • Move furniture away from the fireplace
  • Keep pets and children away from the work area

If you haven’t have your Minneapolis chimney cleaned and inspected this year, call 2nd Generation Chimneys today to schedule your appointment!

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Ways You Can Make Your Chimney Pollute Less

Tuesday, September 4th, 2012

Contributed by High’s Chimney Service, a  30+ year old Washington DC chimney repair and service company.

It’s no secret that you create pollution when you burn something. Wood is no exception to this rule. Most people would be surprised to learn just how much you can reduce your pollution when you use your fireplace with a few simple tips.

1.       Know your Enemy

First, it is helpful to know about the air pollutants you should be concerned with. Particulate matter is the fine particles left behind when something is burned; it is the equivalent of soot. When airborne, particulate matter is often visible as dark smoke and contributes to respiratory conditions. Carbon Monoxide is a poisonous gas that results when there is not enough oxygen to produce a complete burn. There are other harmful gasses that might result when you burn contaminated fuel — volatile organic compound (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides are particularly notable.

2.       Only clean, natural firewood is firewood

Not all wood should be considered firewood, and only firewood should be burned (other than your kindling). This excludes things like:

  • painted or stained wood (which will release VOCs)
  • pallets (which are treated with chemicals that typically contain formaldehyde and arsenic.)
  • wood with glue on it
  • driftwood (the chlorine from the salt causes carcinogenic gasses)
  • wood with heavy pesticides
  • moldy, rotten, or diseased wood
  • any treated wood
  • cardboard
  • glossy paper or paper with colored ink (magazines are a no-no; black and white newspaper is ok)
  • any trash, including Styrofoam, plastic, and rubber

3.       Only Use Seasoned firewood

Seasoning, or curing, wood means leaving the wood to dry properly for at least 6 months. The reason you want seasoned firewood is that it will burn much more efficiently. Wet wood produces a lot of smoke, and you want to avoid that.

4.       Burn hot, but smart

A hot fire burns the wood efficiently. The most smoke is produced when a fire is starting and when it smolders, because these times are when the fire is cool. Try to start the fire quickly. And never let a fire smolder, especially overnight (that’s just asking for trouble). A decent-sized fire is recommended, because a small fire won’t get hot, but a very large fire may get wild and dangerous.

5.       Get your Chimney Inspected Regularly

There are many chimney problems that can affect the environment inside and outside of your home. For example, chimneys with cracks, leaks, or inadequate liners can have inefficiencies and will not keep the fire as hot.  An inefficient fire system wastes energy, which means more fuel needs to be burned, which means more pollution. Chimneys might also have air flow issues, which can be caused by improper venting, creosote buildup, or other problems. Lack of proper air flow can prevent complete combustion, resulting in inefficiencies and possibly even carbon monoxide. There really are too many problems here for average homeowners to check themselves.

Reducing the pollution coming from your chimney is actually pretty simple. In addition to helping the environment, these tips can help keep your family safer and save you money in firewood and chimney repair and maintenance costs.

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Why Do You Need To Have Your Chimney Flue Cleaned?

Monday, August 27th, 2012

Having your chimney flue cleaned is important to the health and safety of your family.  2nd Generation Chimneys is a Minneapolis chimney company that provides thorough chimney flue cleaning, call us today if you need to schedule an appointment!

The Importance of Having Your Chimney Flue Cleaned

When a fireplace or wood stove is used, smoke goes up the chimney where it finally reaches the outside air.  Creosote forms when wood is burned incompletely, or when it is a smoky fire without enough oxygen that causes black smoke to go up the chimney.  During this process the smoke often leaves behind creosote, a dark brown or black tar-like substance that gets deposited on the walls of the chimney.

Creosote can be a fire hazard if too much of it builds up on the inside walls of the chimney.

There are a few kinds of creosote that have differing degrees of stickiness and are each harder to remove than the previous one:

  • Soot that is feather-light and dull gray, brown or black in color that is easy to remove
  • Granular black accumulation that is still fairly easy to remove with a stiff chimney brush
  • Tar-like black coating that is very hard to remove, even with scrapers and power rotary whips
  • Shiny black coating that looks like the inside of the chimney has been glazed over and is nearly impossible to remove

Generally speaking creosote buildup happens during wood burning.  While gas fireplaces burn cleaner, they do let off a lot more moisture which can cause other kinds of build-up to occur.  Additional types of debris that can clog the chimney flue are droppings from animals, nesting of birds, and debris from the presence of insects.  The best way to prevent animals from nesting in the chimney is to have a chimney-top screen.

Having a professional chimney sweep  in Minneapolis such as those at 2nd Generation Chimneys perform your chimney flue cleaning will ensure that not only is it properly cleaned, but that any venting problems or chimney deterioration are identified, as well as any cracks in the liner are found and fixed, and that where applicable new liners are installed.

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Minneapolis Chimney Guide: Common Chimney Problems

Monday, August 6th, 2012

Making use of your Minneapolis home’s fireplace is a great way to relax. Even if you use it only infrequently, though, it is important to have your fireplace and chimney professionally inspected annually. Not only does this keep your chimney  working properly and safely, it also allows professional chimney sweeps to discover any existing or developing problems within your chimney. At 2nd Generation Chimneys we want you to feel confident when using your home’s fireplace. Here’s some information about common chimney problems and conditions that can be discovered and dealt with by a professional service company.

  • Creosote Buildup: Creosote is a tarry substance that results from the burning of wood in your fireplace. It is a byproduct of the burning process and its production cannot be avoided. As long as you have your chimney cleaned annually creosote should pose no danger. However, if left to itself long enough it can be responsible for fires within your chimney. Regular, professional chimney maintenance will cut down on the creosote buildup in your chimney, keeping your fireplace and chimney as safe as possible.
  • Damaged Chimney Cap or Crown: The crown of your chimney sits at the top of the structure to protect exposed masonry chimneys from being damaged by weather or water. The cap is a roofed addition that helps keep water out of your chimney and may have a screen to keep animals and birds out as well. A faulty cap or screen can let in unwanted debris and pests, and can even result in damage to your fireplace’s flue.
  • Damaged Flue: The flue of your fireplace allows combustion gases to vent. A damaged flue can allow gases to seep into your house and lead to the erosion of the chimney’s masonry and brickwork. This puts the structural integrity of your entire chimney at risk.
  • Cracks in Lining of Chimney: Any cracks or damage to the flue lining must be dealt with immediately. This can lead to leaking gases and escaping heat, putting the interior of your home at risk of fire or exposure to gases. It can also lead to blockages and improper ventilation.

When properly maintained your fireplace is a perfectly safe, enjoyable way to relax and heat your home. Annual professional maintenance will alleviate any concern you have about the functionality of your chimney. If you have any cause to suspect a problem with your chimney’s structure or operation, or if you’d just like more information, call the Minneapolis chimney professionals at 2nd Generation Chimneys.

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New Home Chimney Cleaning and Inspection in Minneapolis

Monday, July 30th, 2012

It is essential to have a chimney inspection and chimney cleaning performed when you purchase a new home.  You can never know exactly how the chimney and fireplace were maintained by the previous owner, and as such ensuring it is properly ventilated with a correctly functioning liner and flu is essential to making certain you remain free from fire hazards associated with improper chimney maintenance.  2nd Generation Chimneys is a professional chimney company in Minneapolis that performs these vital chimney services such as chimney inspection and chimney cleaning.  Let us help you and your family stay safe in your new home before you use your new chimney for the first time.

Chimney Inspection and Chimney Cleaning in New Homes

New homes can come with all sorts of unseen problems which a home inspection will normally uncover.  This way you are aware of the potentials prior to purchasing the home. That is why it is important to make certain you schedule a new home chimney inspection and chimney cleaning with a chimney company such as 2nd Generation Chimneys prior to using your new chimney at all.  This way you will ensure you have a clean chimney that is free from creosote buildup which is a major cause of chimney fires, free of soot which restricts airflow, and free of debris which can come from outside.

During the chimney inspection any deposits will be swept, a visual inspection of the fireplace and chimney itself will be performed to identify any construction defects which have occurred, as well as an internal inspection of the chimney with video inspection to ensure correct chimney cleaning has occurred and to look for other issues.

Professional Chimney Company

It is important to hire a professional chimney company in Minneapolis such as 2nd Generation Chimneys that performs regular chimney inspections and chimney cleanings for new homes as well as chimney maintenance services.  Contact 2nd Generation Chimneys and receive quality Minneapolis chimney services for your new home!

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Recommended & Reliable Chimney Cleaning in Minnesota

Monday, January 23rd, 2012

2nd Generations Chimney’s is Minnesota’s most reliable source for chimney flue safety solutions. They are certified chimney specialists for all types and sizes of chimneys. They provide chimney inspections, sweeping, relining & restoration in Minnesota.  They are the most trusted and recommended chimney service company servicing the Minnesota area.  Professional, thorough and clean.  Call them at 612-922-9600 and to learn more about all their services go online to www.2ndgenerationchimneys.com .


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Chimney Services Unmatched! 2nd Generation Chimneys

Monday, January 9th, 2012

2nd Generation Chimney’s proudly offers a wide variety of chimney services to the Twin Cities and surrounding area.  Relining, restoration, chimney cleaning and inspections are some of the services we offer.  Since 2001 we have serviced 50,000 homes and have spotless reputation.  We also service commerical and industrial buildings as well.  You will find that we have serviced many of the finest residential, commercial and industrial buildings in the area.  Our expertise is unmatched!  Call us at 612-922-9600 and visit us online at www.2ndgenerationchimneys.com .

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Prevent Chimney Fires With Yearly Chimney Inspections

Monday, January 2nd, 2012

Having your chimney swept and inspected regularly improves the air quality in your home, and is  important to the prevention hazards that can arise from creosote build-up, obstructions or cracks.   It is  recommended to have a regular yearly check of your chimney.  Call 2nd Generation Chimneys in Minnesota at 612-922-9600 and to learn more about all of their services at www.2ndgenerationchimneys.com .

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